'I knew that you would understand the secret that I have been forced to conceal for these many years,' she continued, infusing her voice with a passionate intensity. 'For you must know, sir, that I long to study thaumaturgy! All my life I have dreamt of nothing else. I had scarce means enough to attain my dream, but I learnt what little I could from our ill-stocked library and untrained mistresses. I was happy in picking up scraps and rag-ends of wisdom. But that is all at an end. Even what little opportunity I had of acquiring magical learning is beyond me now – unless you, sir, condescend to help me!'